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COLUMBUS—The Foundation for St. Luke’s Hospital, Inc., recently announced that it will move forward under a new name: The Hospital Foundation in support of AdventHealth Polk. 

Since 1991, the Foundation has successfully fulfilled its mission to raise funds in support of its hospital as it provides exemplary healthcare to our community. Now with the lease of St. Luke’s Hospital by AdventHealth, the Foundation will stay in step with its hospital.

Still legally registered under the Secretary of State Department as The St. Luke’s Hospital Foundation, Inc., the new “Doing Business As” title clearly identifies the Foundation as a supporting organization of our local hospital. Because the Foundation’s vision is to ensure the long-term viability of our hospital while supporting new and existing services for the benefit of the community, the name change shows alignment when seeking grant and funding opportunities and will better identify the Foundation with the hospital it continues to serve.

“The Foundation recognizes the importance of staying in step with change, as so many rural hospitals struggle, and our community is the key,” said Wendy Hamil, Executive Director of The Hospital Foundation. “The amazing residents here continue to remain steadfast by giving to the Foundation and sharing in its mission. Their vision to see the importance of keeping our hospital upfitted with state-of-the-art equipment and improved patient experience reflects their desire for a strong, robust hospital with expanded services in a small, yet mighty community.” 

The Hospital Foundation is a not-for-profit, 501(c)3 organization originally established to support St. Luke’s Hospital, Inc. financially and promote the provision of quality-focused healthcare services. The Foundation Board is comprised of local community members who have joined together to raise funds for new equipment, facility improvements, educational programs, and the Foundation’s endowment.

St. Luke’s Hospital was founded in 1929 and was leased by AdventHealth on October 1, 2024. It serves Polk and its surrounding counties as a 100% locally owned and operated non-profit hospital. Its critical access hospital designation reduces the financial vulnerability of rural hospitals and improves access to healthcare by keeping essential services in our rural community. The Hospital Foundation is proud to continue its support of AdventHealth Polk.

The Hospital Foundation, in support of AdventHealth Polk, appreciates continued community support. Gift donations can be made at www.foundationslh.org or by mail/in person to 89 West Mills Street, Suite B, Columbus, NC, 28722.